Album Reviews

ShaShaty – Brighter Day

The contemporary jazz saxophonist ShaShaty will release his sixth album “Brighter Day” on March 3 on the recently formed A.H.I. Records. This album is his first collection contained entirely of original songs. Seven of the disc’s eleven songs were written by him and produced by the guitarist-vocalist Steve Oliver, who is the writer or co-writer of ten songs for the album.

The bracing song “Dream Ride” will hit the radio playlists before the releasing of the album, early next month. The video for the single will premiere at Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California where ShaShaty has been included performer over the past decade.

With his energetic multihued attitude, ShaShaty is placed in the front and the center of the melody-rich jazz, pop and R&B, playing tenor, alto and soprano sax, in order not to have to limit himself to a singular sax voice. Will Donato, fellow saxophonist, strengthens the horn section parts on “Dream Ride” and the drummer Bonny B gives out skillful beats on four cuts. Usay Chu, Taiwanese vocalist, makes her US recording by gracing a pair of tunes – “Song Of Hope” and “A Million Miles” – with her unearthly wordless vocalizations. “Brighter Day” is made of the chemistry between ShaShaty and Steve Oliver.

The emotional and sensitive play of the hornman thrives in the company of the guitarist who gas a masterful control of floating harmony. The songs are filled with powerfully full sound from which potent hooks connect and persistent melodies leave a lasting impression. The power-packed pop gems from “Brighter Day” also have depth like in “Let’s Go!”, an off-kilter staccato rhythm like in “Late On 91” and they have a sublime sax and guitar call-and-response chorus like in “August”.

About the making of “Brighter Day”, ShaShaty said:

“I haven’t recorded an original project in quite some time. My previous two projects consisted of classics from the past few decades. Those interpretations were part of a period of growth and self- discovery for me musically, especially when reimagining so many beloved works. I found myself in a new, fresh space and realized it was time to reach deep inside to see what would emerge creatively. Steve Oliver and his amazing production work provided the skilled hand to help me realize ‘Brighter Day.’ I’d love for this instrumental pop project to be the vehicle that opens new horizons for many new listeners – even from other genres and cultures – that may not have necessarily been contemporary jazz followers before, but now call themselves fans,”.

ShaShaty has huge stage experience performing on concerts and festivals with the likes of Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Peter Cetera, Boney James etc. He has played on national television on “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda” in order to garner radio spins throughout the US.